Palmetto weighs moratorium on new smoke shops

PALMETTO, Fla. (WWSB) - Palmetto city commissioners discussed a proposed moratorium on new retail smoke shops during a city commission meeting. The proposal would give the city a year to review how it regulates the businesses.The city currently has three retail smoke shops within its city limits.The proposed ordinance would put a 365-day moratorium on new retail smoke shops, giving city staff time to study current rules and consider whether additional regulations are needed.The city’s definition of a smoke shop is broad. It includes businesses that specialize in tobacco, vaping products and vaporizers, along with pipes, bongs, rolling papers and other smoking accessories.End of an era: $123M Cortez Bridge replacement begins this monthCity staff are also looking at whether future regulations could address where these businesses are allowed to open. That could include distance requirements from schools or churches, or limiting certain types of smoke shops in specific zoning districts.The